Vol. 24 (3-4) 2003 Neuro endocrinology letters

The effect of estradiol, but not progesterone, on the production of cytokines in stimulated whole blood, is concentration-dependent.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of estradiol and progesterone on interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) productions in polyclonal activators (phytohemagglutinin+lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated whole blood cultures.

METHODS:.....